There’s something so incredibly special about capturing a season of life that is filled with love, anticipation, and the sweetest kind of excitement. Samantha and Cody’s maternity session was just that—pure magic wrapped in the soft glow of an overcast October afternoon.

Set against the golden fields and towering pines of Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake, this session felt like stepping into a moment suspended in time. The air was crisp, the sky draped in dreamy clouds, and every glance between these two carried the kind of quiet love that speaks volumes.

Samantha and Cody have the kind of relationship that makes you feel at ease just being around them. The way Cody placed his hand on Samantha’s growing belly, the way she leaned into him with the softest smile—it was all so effortless and beautiful. You can tell that they aren’t just preparing to welcome Baby Rhodes into their world; they’ve already created a world full of love for him.

Some might wish for golden-hour sunshine, but there’s something about a cloudy day that makes the emotions in a session feel even deeper. The way the muted tones of the sky contrasted with the rich autumn landscape was breathtaking, and it allowed all the focus to stay on these two and their growing family. We wandered through the tall grasses, letting the natural beauty of the season surround them.

Baby Rhodes is already so, so loved. This little boy is stepping into a family that is filled with warmth, strength, and a whole lot of love. I know he’s going to have parents who will show him how to embrace life with joy, adventure, and the kind of kindness that radiates from both of them. I cannot wait for you to step into this new adventure—Rhodes is the luckiest little guy to have you as his parents.